As an Alabama gardener, I know that growing luscious, sweet strawberries in our climate can be done with a little effort and know-how Nothing beats the flavor of a sun-ripened, just-picked strawberry! Follow this simple guide to grow a bountiful strawberry patch right in your own backyard.
Choosing the Right Strawberry Variety
The key first step is picking varieties that flourish in Alabama’s humid conditions. After testing different types over the years, these are my top recommendations
- Earliglow – an early season favorite that produces high yields of sweet, aromatic berries in April/May
- Chandler – an early-mid season berry with large, firm fruit that keeps well
- Camarosa – a midseason variety with superior flavor and disease resistance
- Sweet Charlie – an everbearing type that produces two crops, in early summer and fall
I suggest planting a mix of early, mid and late season varieties to extend your harvest window from spring through early summer. June-bearing types like Earliglow and Chandler produce a single flush of fruit, while everbearers like Sweet Charlie yield two harvests per year.
Preparing the Planting Site
Strawberries thrive best in a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil. Here are some tips for getting your planting site ready:
- Choose a location that receives full sun – at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Incorporate 2-3 inches of compost or rotted manure to improve drainage and nourish plants
- Consider planting in raised beds if you have heavy, clay soil to improve drainage
- Test soil pH and amend if needed – strawberries prefer a slightly acidic pH of 5.5-6.5
- Mix in a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 before planting
Proper site preparation sets your strawberry patch up for success!
When to Plant Strawberries in Alabama
Fall is the ideal planting time for strawberries in our region. Set them out in September-October so plants are established before winter. Spring planting is possible but less successful – fall-planted berries get a head start and produce higher yields the following season.
The harvest window for June-bearers is April-June. You can enjoy sweet berries from everbearing types in early summer and fall. In South Alabama, harvest may start a few weeks earlier than in North Alabama.
How to Plant Strawberries
Here are some tips for planting strawberry crowns properly to get your patch off to a vigorous start:
- Space plants 12-15 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart
- Dig holes deep enough so crown is at soil level – don’t bury it!
- Spread roots outwards and fill hole gently but firmly
- Water thoroughly after planting – don’t let roots dry out
- Add 2-3 inches of mulch like pine straw to conserve moisture and reduce weeds
Proper planting depth, spacing, watering, and mulching gives your strawberries the conditions they need to establish well.
Caring for Strawberries
The first year after planting, focus on helping plants build up strength. Here are some tips:
- Water 1-2 inches per week, avoiding wet foliage
- Weed regularly to reduce competition for water and nutrients
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly
- Remove flowers the first year so plants direct energy to root growth
- Mulch in late fall to insulate plants from hard freezes
After the first year, your care routine will involve:
- Renewing mulch in spring after hard frosts pass
- Continuing balanced fertilizer applications
- Watering during dry spells, especially when fruit is forming
- Picking ripe berries frequently to encourage more production
- Removing old leaves/plants after harvest is finished
Proper care and feeding will keep your strawberry patch productive for 3-5 years before it needs rejuvenating.
Dealing With Pests and Diseases
Common strawberry pests in our climate include:
- Slugs and snails – handpick these at night or set out beer traps
- Spider mites – hose plants down to reduce populations
- Birds – cover plants with netting as berries start to ripen
- Deer – erect a fence around your strawberry patch
Prevent diseases like leaf spot, botrytis, and anthracnose with these tips:
- Select resistant varieties
- Avoid wetting foliage when watering
- Improve airflow and sunlight penetration with proper spacing
- Remove and discard any infected plants promptly
- Apply an organic fungicide at first sign of disease
Catching problems early allows you to take action before pests or diseases destroy your crop. Be vigilant!
Enjoying the Harvest
Nothing compares to picking a ripe, juicy strawberry warmed by the Alabama sun and popping it straight into your mouth! Plan on harvesting daily once your berries start ripening to get them at peak flavor. Some delicious ways to enjoy your harvest:
- Add fresh sliced berries to cereal, yogurt, or salads
- Blend into smoothies for a nutritional burst
- Mix into pancake batter or top waffles or crepes
- Whip up jams, sauces, pies, or other baked goods
- Freeze excess berries for year-round enjoyment
How do strawberries grow in strawberry jars?
Strawberries do well in strawberry jars, but you will have to work to keep them watered and they are not as productive as in the ground, due to much lower soil volume. Strawberry jars are a fun novelty and are especially useful for small patio and condo gardens.
Quick Guide to Growing Strawberries
- Plant strawberries in spring or fall based on your growing zone. In-ground gardens, raised beds, and containers are all excellent growing areas.
- Give strawberries room for runners by planting them 18 inches apart. Strawberries can be grown in a variety of ways, but make sure they get 8 or more hours of sun and are planted in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.8.
- Give your native soil a boost by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter. Consider a premium bagged potting mix for growing in containers.
- Give plants 1 to 1.5 inches of water weekly, and avoid wetting the leaves.
- Promote excellent fruit production by keeping plants fed with a continuous-release fertilizer.
- Harvest ripe strawberries in the cool of morning and refrigerate them right away.
How to Grow Strawberries in Alabama
FAQ
When should I plant strawberries in Alabama?
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Fall Planting:
- Best time: September and October.
- Why: Plants establish better in the fall, leading to a higher yield the following spring.
- Planting System: Mated-row strawberries (perennial planting) should be planted during February and March for the best results.
- Annual Hill System: Strawberries grown on plastic (annual hill system) should be planted from September through October 1 in north Alabama and October 1 through October 15 in central and south Alabama.
- Best time: September and October.
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Spring Planting:
- Time: Early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked.
- Considerations: Water strawberries regularly, especially if planted in spring or summer.
- Time: Early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked.
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General Planting Tips:
- Soil: Strawberries need well-drained soil, so amend with organic matter if necessary.
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun (6 to 8 hours of sunlight).
- Spacing: Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart.
- Crown: Ensure the crown (where the leaves emerge) is at or slightly above the soil line.
- Watering: Water strawberries regularly, especially when newly planted and during dry periods.
- Mulch: Apply mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize: Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for strawberries.
- Soil: Strawberries need well-drained soil, so amend with organic matter if necessary.
How do you grow strawberries for beginners?
- Order your plants online in bulk.
- Soak them in water while you’re planting to give them a better start.
- Dig a 6 inch hole for planting.
- Plant the strawberry but DO NOT BURY THE CROWN OF THE PLANT!
- Water well and watch for green growth.
- Pick off any blooms that form.
- Enjoy the fruits of your labor next year!
Do strawberries grow better in pots or ground?
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Pros:
- Easier Pest and Disease Management: Potted strawberries are less susceptible to soil-borne pests and diseases.
- Better Drainage Control: You can ensure excellent drainage by using containers with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix, preventing root rot.
- Soil Quality Control: You can use a specific, high-quality potting mix tailored to strawberry needs, ensuring optimal nutrient availability and soil structure.
- Space Efficiency: Pots are ideal for smaller gardens, balconies, or patios, maximizing space utilization.
- Convenience: You can easily move pots to different locations for optimal sunlight or protection from harsh weather.
- Aesthetics: Strawberries in pots, especially in hanging baskets or window boxes, can add a beautiful, cascading element to your garden.
- Easier Pest and Disease Management: Potted strawberries are less susceptible to soil-borne pests and diseases.
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Cons:
- Requires More Frequent Watering: Soil in pots dries out faster than in-ground soil, requiring more frequent watering, especially during hot weather.
- May Need More Frequent Fertilization: Plants in pots may need more frequent fertilization to maintain nutrient levels, as the potting mix can leach nutrients more quickly.
- May Not Last as Long as Ground-Grown Plants: Strawberry plants may not last as long in pots compared to those planted in the ground.
- Requires More Frequent Watering: Soil in pots dries out faster than in-ground soil, requiring more frequent watering, especially during hot weather.
When do strawberries grow in Alabama?
In fact, the harvest starts in late December around Christmas in Florida. In Alabama, the June bearing strawberry plants thrive the most. Established through October, June bearing strawberry plants produce the flowers and stem throughout the winter and during the cool weather of late fall.
Where to plant strawberries in Alabama?
You can find a variety of strawberry to plant at a local nursery. According to the University of Alabama Cooperative Extension, the two good varieties of strawberries for Alabama are “Earliglow” and “Cardinal.” Inquire at the nursery for further suggestions. Strawberries may not be a great business in Alabama, but it is certainly a pleasant one.
Where are Alabama strawberries sold?
Furthermore, most strawberries grown in Alabama are sold directly from the producer to the consumer, according to Dr. Edgar Vinson, Alabama Extension commercial horticulture specialist. “Alabama strawberries are often sold at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and right off the farm by the producers.
Can you eat frozen strawberries in Alabama?
You can eat the fruit frozen, right after picking it or made into jams. You can grow this low-growing plant in zones 2 to 11 and can be grown in the ground or planted in pots. Early varieties of strawberries do better in Alabama’s humid summers as they are liable to mold and mildew.
How do you grow strawberries in Arizona?
Cut strawberries off the plant, leaving a small stem attached. Lay picked berries in a shallow pan to prevent bruising. Pick rotting berries off the plant and discard. Leave caps of berries attached until just before eating. Use harvested strawberries as soon as possible. It can be difficult, but growing strawberries in Arizona is not impossible.
Where can I pick a ripe sweet grown Alabama Strawberry?
It’s hard to beat a ripe Sweet Grown Alabama strawberry in the springtime! What better way to enjoy the day than picking your own fresh berries at a local farm? Here are our favorite u-pick strawberry farms. North Alabama Address: 401 Babe Wright Road, Grant, AL 35747 For Details: Maggie Valley Berry Patch on Facebook